A scoping review of human robot interaction research towards Industry 5.0 human-centric workplaces

Abstract

Interaction between humans and robots in the workplace garners interest in recent years due to the introduction of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 frameworks. A scoping review was performed aimed at investigating the effect of robot design features on their human counterparts. In the analysis of the 32 identified articles, the robot design features used in the literature are shown along with the effects on the operators. Results showcased the many to many relationships between robot design features and effects on operators. Robot appearance, for example, and capabilities play a role in the operators’ perception and expectations of their capabilities based on the task and subsequently perceived reliability and safety. Communication capabilities between operators and robots is an integral part for teamwork and performance as it can affect work processes. The paucity of papers empirically addressing human robot interaction as a system is consistent with results from previous literature, indicating the need for more research. The results of this investigation can prove useful in the form of advice to designers and practitioners, such as the operator’s involvement in implementation, knowledge on robots’ capabilities and training. Research gaps identified are discussed, as well as future research directions.

KEYWORDS:

• Human factor demand
• collaborative design
• system control
• feature selection
• adaptability

Acknowledgements

The activity of this research work is part of the PON 2019 program (CUP C38D19000260006) and project SO4SIMS (PRIN2017 – 2017FW8BB4).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, S.P., upon request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sotirios Panagou

Sotirios Panagou is a PhD candidate in School of Engineering of the University of Basilicata, with a background in Physics. His research is concerned with optimisation and quality in manufacturing and operations management. Areas of study include human factors, operations management, deep learning and artificial intelligence, entropy and complexity management, and safety and risk analysis.

W. Patrick Neumann

W. Patrick Neumann, Dr., is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering of Toronto Metropolitan University. His work involves numerous academic and industry partnerships, both in Europe and North America. Current research, conducted at the Human Factors Engineering Lab, focuses on the design of work systems that are both effective and sustainable from human and technical perspectives. Areas of study include human factors and corporate strategy, industrial system design processes, organisational design and change management, simulation and virtual performance modelling, and performance and exposure measurement.

Fabio Fruggiero

Fabio Fruggiero, Dr., is an Assistant Professor in Industrial Systems Engineering at School of Engineering of University of Basilicata. His work involves numerous academic and industry partnerships, both in Europe and North America. His research interests concern optimisation, production management and Human Factor and Ergonomics. Areas of study include human factor and corporate strategy, industrial system design processes, additive and advanced manufacturing, simulation and virtual modelling, agent based modelling, scheduling and optimisation, and safety and risk analysis.